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Still More Frequently Asked Questions About LifeWay’s VBS?

LifeWay’s VBS team receives thousands of questions from our VBS Friends each year. While most are concerning a specific resource or theme, many fall in the category of frequently asked. Here are the answers to a few of these Frequently Asked Questions.

Why are there so many options in the leader guides? ANS: It is our goal to provide resources that are adaptable and customizable to your specific situation and group of kids. Every church has unique challenges – from space and time limitations to the personalities of the kids – yet one curriculum is designed to meet the needs of them all. (Basically an impossible task unless there are options.) Take time to look through the activities and you will notice that some or more adaptable to smaller or larger groups than others, some require space to move, while others are more contemplative and take place around a table. Each of us responds to information differently. An activity that grabs the attention of one kid is not interesting to another. While we know how kids learn in general, you know your kids best. You know the types of activities they respond to best. We try to give you a variety of options for each session, knowing you will choose the learning activities, crafts, snacks, and rec games that are best for your group.

When the resources are labeled for 3rd grade does that mean it is for a rising or completed 3rd grader? ANS: Completed 3rd grader. As with the previous question about activity options, you know your kids best. Also, churches promote kids in ongoing Bible study ministries at different times. If you feel the material is too advanced for your kids use the resources for a younger age. The same is true if you feel the material is not advanced enough. Use the resources for an older grade or age.

Why do you provide so many additional resources in the catalog? ANS: I like to place VBS resources into three categories: 1. Essential, 2. Would be helpful, and 3. Bells and Whistles. Some church budgets allow for the essentials only while other churches have the resources needed to purchase all the bells and whistles. I think it is important to realize that a great VBS can be conducted with three main ingredients – a Bible, enthusiastic workers, and kids – but when considering curriculum leader guides, leader packs, and student (or kid) resources are essential. Next in order of importance are the decorations and resources that help you and your workers create a fun and appealing experience. Many of the resources in the catalog are designed for convenience. Sure, you can go out and purchase or gather all the individual pieces needed for a craft, or for convenience you can purchase the craft packs with everything needed already gathered and sorted. The same is true with many of the decorations. You can make your own (which is why we create Decorating Made Easy) or for convenience you can purchase the backdrops and poster packs.

Why aren’t there more craft options? ANS: There are a tremendous number of craft options besides the Grades 1-6 Crafts Rotation Leader Guide. Check out the Preschool Rotation Pack as well as the Student and Adult Starter Kits. We also know many of you enjoy creating your own craft ideas. We try to provide a starting point and from there you can let your creativity go wild!

Why do you create resources for babies? ANS: We create resources for babies because we believe they are an important part of VBS. While you might not be able to get the youngest VBS attenders to set in a circle for a Bible story, you are definitely teaching them foundational truths as you go about the business of caring for their needs. To enlist babysitters to take care of the worker’s kids without seeing it as a teaching moment is a wasted opportunity. If you haven’t checked out the Babies-2s leader resources lately you need to do so. The leader guide gives tips and talking points to make every moment an opportunity to begin laying foundational truths of God’s love, care, protection, and provision.

When will the new resources be available? ANS: The Jump Start Kit is scheduled to be available in October, all other English resources (including Backyard Kids Club) in December, and Spanish resources in January.